Bhosip Kaiwi sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of Jenelyn Kennedy

A judge at the Waigani National and Supreme Court says prevalence of violence against women in the country and killing of women by their current or former husbands or partners has long been recognised as prevalent.

Justice Teresa Berrigan said the National and Supreme Courts have repeatedly denounced these offences.

She made these comments last Friday when sentencing 28-year-old Bhosip Kaiwi from Jiwaka to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife Jenelyn Kennedy in June 2020.

Jenelyn was 19 years old and had two children, a three-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter.

Kaiwi subjected his wife to torture at home using various weapons after suspecting her of having a relationship with another man.

The wife later died at home and taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Justice Berrigan described the hurt inflicted on late Jenelyn Kennedy as torture and said imposing a life sentence is the only sentence that recognises the gravity of the offending.

She said women are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity and they are entitled to fully participate in and benefit from the development of this country. 

Justice Berrigan said this will only be possible when women live free from the fear of violence or death at the hands of their current or former husbands and partners.